Science of Safety Training

Training is the cornerstone of an effective safety program. It allows us to impart knowledge, improve skills, and reinforce safety culture. However, in contrast to rapid advancements in science and technology, safety training has been slow to change. By studying training from a scientific perspective, we will unpack the fundamental drivers of adult learning and reimagine training as it is currently delivered. Specifically, we will explore how time-tested strategies like storytelling and humor pair with modern technologies like simulations, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. With input from front-line employees and controlled experiments, we will test how these potentially transformative methods of training impact the acquisition, retention, and application of new safety knowledge. This project is critical for equipping the next generation with training that is purposely designed to be more effective, efficient, and engaging.

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How to Deliver High-Quality Safety Training

Peer-reviewed Publications

Raeisinafchi, R., Perry, L. A., Bhandari, S., & Albert, A. Construction Safety Training: Engaging Techniques and Technology Adoption Perspectives. In Construction Research Congress 2024 (pp. 618-627). [ACCESS HERE]

Lopez, J., Bhandari, S., Perry, L., Ayer, S.K., Hallowell, M.R. and Jones, M., 2025. Analyzing the Impact of Virtual Reality and Haptic Feedback on the Safety Skills of Construction Workers. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 151(8), p.04025110. [ACCESS HERE]

Raeisinafchi, R., Bhandari, S., Perry, L., Hallowell, M.R., Albert, A. and Correll, J., 2025. Comparing training delivery methods: Impact on learning outcomes and engagement among construction workers. Safety Science, 187, p.106870. [ACCESS HERE]

Lopez, J., Perry, L., Bhandari, S., Ayer, S. K., & Hallowell, M. R. (2026). Exploring the Potential for Safety Training in VR to Generate Emotional Engagement and Situational Interest among Construction Workers. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 152(3), 04025272. [ACCESS HERE]

2023 CSRA Safety Summit

Team

Perry Redman (Chair)
CAT

Amber Mae Nicholls
(Vice Chair)
BGE

Alex Albert
NCSU

Chris White
Williams Companies

Steve Foster
MYR Group

John Hernandez
Southern California Edison

Jason Redmond
MasTec

Siddharth Bhandari
CU Boulder

Jerry Shupe
Hensel Phelps

Mark Meade
Tellurian

John Farrell
Allan Myers

Matt Summers
ACIG

Tim Navratil
Flynn Group

Michele Curtis
CAT

Jason Campbell
Great Lakes & Dredge

Logan Perry
UNL

Alyn Jones
Triple J Pipelines

Erin DeKorte
Weeks Marine

Troy Ogden
Brasfield & Gorrie

Joe Garza
DPR Construction

Scott Desautels
Enbridge

Roya Raeisinafchi
CU Boulder

James Gregurek
Quanta Services